MS/PhD Biostatistics Profile Evaluation

[msg121600]

Hi all! I'm in the process of applying for graduate schools (in both the US and Canada) and was hoping for realistic feedback so that I can manage my expectations. I think I'm a relatively strong applicant but a good reality check can always be helpful!

Undergrad Institution: McGill University

Undergrad Major: BSc Joint Biology and Mathematics

GPA: 3.80

Relevant Courses:

Math: Calc I (A), Calc II (A), Calc III (B+), Linear Algebra (A), Analysis I (A-) and II (A), differential equations (A), probability (B+), statistics (with R) (B+), stochastics (S/U'd), linear regression (A) and mathematical statistics (in progress)

Biology: two semesters of intro bio (both As), two semesters of genetics (both A's), quantitative biology (A), multiple neuroscience courses

Computer Science: Introductory programming in Python (A), Introduction to Computer Science in Java (B+)

GRE General: V/Q/A: 164/169/5.5

Programs Applying MS: Boston University, University of Michigan, McGill University, University of Toronto

Programs Applying PhD: University of Washington, New York University

Research Experience: Summer grant-funded research and poster presentation in bioengineering department of my university, two years in quantitative physiology lab with one published paper (not 1st author)

Teaching Experience: TA for General Chemistry 1-2, Organic Chemistry 1-2 and Intro computer science

Employment: Online tutor for web-based company (~2 years, still employed), four month remote internship as laboratory assistant in Cusco (not sure if worth mentioning)

I financed my degree on my own so I know I'm lacking a bit in extracurricular/leadership activities but I'm hoping my grades and research experience help me out a bit, please let me know if I'm shooting too high as I do have time to apply to other MS programs!

[bob loblaw]

Your MS choices look fine to me.  I think your PhD program choices are total reaches. If you applied to lower ranked PhD programs you'd probably get in to one.  I think that would be better personally because PhD programs provide funding

Edited December 9, 2021 by bob loblaw

[cyberwulf]

I have to say your list of programs is rather unusual. UW and NYU aren't in the same universe biostat-wise (UW is a top three program, NYU's program barely registers though they've got some good faculty). You'll likely get into any MS program you want, so I think you should focus on your PhD list, and take a long look at programs in the 5-15 ranking range (Michigan, UNC, Minnesota, Berkeley, Penn, Emory, Columbia, etc.) where I suspect you'll be competitive.